Avodart is primarily used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia commonly known as prostate enlargement and thereby reduces the requirement for a surgical procedure.

Usage

Following the dosage instructions of your doctor is the best way to use any medication. If you are unsure or do not remember the instructions then you may read the medicine label for more detailed information.

You may choose to take Avodart with a meal or without a mill.

Please drink a full glass of water with Avodart. Ensure that you do not crush or chew the pill.

It is very important that you complete the dosage schedule and do not interrupt it in between without seeking prior consultation from your doctor.

Taking your medication at the same time each day is a tried and tested method to avoid missing any doses.

Missed Dose

Despite your best attempts at remembering, if you still miss out on a dose, then take it as soon as you remember about it. But keep in mind that you will have to adjust your next dose by spacing it out by 4 to 5 hours. If this is not possible, then the best thing to do would be to skip the missed dose and continue with your normal dosage schedule.

Never try to compensate for the missed dose by taking a double dose together. It may cause adverse effects.

Storage

Store Avodart at room temperature (read medicine label if unsure). Always keep it in a cool dark place that is not directly exposed to sources of heat or moisture and sunlight. Protect it from kids and pets.

Overdose

An overdose of Avodart may have adverse effects that require immediate medical attention. Contact the nearest emergency poison control center immediately if you notice any adverse effects.

Safety Information

Warning/Precautions

Doctors advise against using Avodart if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or other 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors (e.g., finasteride).

Your skin may absorb Avodart and therefore can prove fatal for women who are breast feeding. The traces of Avodart may persist in your body up to 4-6 months of stopping dosages. So therefore do not donate blood till at least after 4-6 months of taking Avodart.

Discuss your past/current medical history in detail with your doctor before beginning treatment with any new medication. If you are using any herbal supplements or over the counter medication, including vitamin pills, then mention it to your doctor.

Avodart affects the ejaculation system however it does not have any serious effects on normal sexual function. A blood test called prostate-specific antigen (PSA) conducted for prostate cancer is affected by Avodart and therefore you should mention to your doctor that you are taking Avodart before going for the test.

The safety and effectiveness of Avodart in children has not been ascertained. So avoid using Avodart for children.

Doctors may prescribe certain laboratory tests to determine how you have responded to treatment and to gauge the severity of the side effects of Avodart. Please Keep all lab appointments and do not miss any tests.

Please inform your lab technician or surgeon that you are taking Avodart before you undergo any emergency surgical procedure including dental operations.

If you are expecting a child or are planning to have a child in the near future, then consult your doctor before using Avodart to discuss any possible threats to the unborn baby.

If you are a nursing mother and breast feed your baby, then too, seek consultation before using Avodart as some drugs are excreted in the breast milk and may enter the baby.